Dear HW,
Thanks so much for your positive feedback. I’d love to share about my exercise routines. I must admit that I have always loved physical exercise, so it’s never been a struggle for me to do it. I know that’s not the case for everyone! But there are so many evidence-based reasons now why it can be extremely beneficial for us to practice regular exercise – beneficial for us physically, mentally, and emotionally! So, perhaps this will help motivate more and more people to get up and get moving!
Slow Down Aging with Exercise
I’ve been regularly exercising since I was a kid. And now that I’m in the midlife phase, I understand and can feel in my body how very important regular exercise is. In a NY Times blog, “Does Exercise Slow the Aging Process”, Gretchen Reynolds writes: “Almost any amount and type of physical activity may slow aging deep within our cells, a new study finds. And middle age may be a critical time to get the process rolling, at least by one common measure of cell aging.” You can read more here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/28/does-exercise-slow-the-aging-process/
My Fitness Routines
I think any age is a critical time to get rolling with regular exercise! I perform 30 minutes of cardio 3-5 times per week, dance 1-2 times per week, do regular stretching on the floor and with a foam roller, and work out with a fitness trainer 2 times per week. I also log my food and exercise using MyFitnessPal. (www.myfitnesspal.com) I use the free version. This program is amazing! What a big improvement over writing everything down and looking up foods manually, which is what I did for years! I also love going on walks and hikes when I can, but that happens more intermittently.
My Favorite Fitness Pal – Andrew Dixon
My fitness trainer is Andrew Dixon, the owner of ADX Fitness. He is definitely my favorite fitness pal!
I’ve been weight training for many years, and pretty much always with the guidance of a personal trainer. I do it because I love it – love how it uplifts me mentally and emotionally, love how it strengthens, firms, and beautifies me, and supports my flexibility and thriving physical wellbeing as I move through life, and especially in the midlife-plus years.
Andrew is super professional, extremely likeable, and intensely knowledgeable in his areas of expertise. He researches and tests everything out on himself! His deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and his practical knowledge and direct experience in numerous training and therapy techniques – make him an outstanding trainer.
I’m extremely happy to have Andrew as my trainer for many reasons. He keeps a written journal of my workouts. He challenges me to improve, but never pushes me to injury. He focuses on the process, not the result, because he knows the process is the only way to get desired results. So when we are working lats, for example, as I carry out the exercise with the weight, Andrew also has me mentally focus on my lats, feel my lats, and be deliberate and present with what I’m doing.
As a result, I have more body awareness, more strength in the key areas I’ve wanted to strengthen, better posture, and I’m working out correctly! Andrew is thorough as a trainer, yet not obsessive. And to me, that represents a balanced approach to better living and lasting healthiness! Which is why I agree with his advice to enjoy regular exercise AND my favorite ice cream!
Andrew works at several gyms around the Valley and LA, and develops programs for non-local clients as well. He offers several different training packages. To find out more, check out his website at: http://www.adxfitness.com/. You can reach Andrew at (818) 331-4497, and on email at andrew@andrew-dixon.com.
It’s Never Too Late to Feel Great
And so dear HW and all of my readers, I hope this gives you some ideas about the great benefits of exercise – physically, mentally, and emotionally. But please remember, exercise is a personal journey that may be different for everyone, so be sure to consult with a fitness and/or medical professional to determine the right exercise routines for you.
Also! Be sure to read the fantastic blog, Get Fit with Jack Witt. He always has interesting and useful information to share about fitness.
Here’s to a full life of healthy and happy fitness!
Coach Maddisen
“Exercise is as effective as certain medications for treating anxiety and depression.” – John J. Ratey / Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
“A lot of people are afraid of heights. Not me, I'm afraid of widths.” – Steven Wright
“It turns out that moving our muscles produces proteins that travel through the bloodstream and into the brain, where they play pivotal roles in the mechanisms of our highest thought processes.” – John J. Ratey
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” – Jim Rohn
“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” – John F. Kennedy
“The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.” – Morihei Ueshiba, martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido.
Copyright 2016 Maddisen K. Krown M.A.